6 Western inns

Lesbian owned accommodations this side of the Mississippi

The Triangle Inn near Santa Fe boasts a lovely tree-shaded adobe compound with several secluded casitas.

From contemporary, clothing-optional women’s resorts to tranquil farmhouse B&Bs in the country, the western United States has a number of exceptional women-owned accommodations. Some of these properties are lesbian-exclusive, while others welcome a mixed gay/straight crowd a variety to suit virtually every taste. Here are six of the most impressive such properties west of Mississippi.

Holly’s Place, Lake Tahoe, Calif.

Outside of Palm Springs, Holly’s Place is probably the most popular women’s resort in California. This evergreen-shrouded compound of luxurious cabins of all different configurations is within walking distance of sparkling Lake Tahoe. It’s a very social place (pets allowed), but guests can opt to mingle or keep to themselves as they please.

Rooms are named for lesbian icons, from the Melissa to the Martina. Romantics should ask for a cabin with a cozy sleeping loft. Some meals are available by arrangement. Holly’s also hosts local events and parties from time to time, some of them lesbian-oriented, while others welcome women and men. Clientele: Lesbian.

Casitas Laquita, Palm Springs, Calif.

Arguably the most luxurious of the two clothing-optional women’s resorts in the desert playground of Palm Springs, Casitas Laquitas comprises 15 diverse units. The most lavish suite, which the owners built in 2004, has its own yard but even smaller rooms are quite spacious, with colorful artwork and handsome tile floors; some rooms have small kitchens and fireplaces.

The staff couldn’t be friendlier, welcoming guests with snack baskets and dispensing advice on where to have fun in this vibrant town. The basement-level Wine Cellar features live bands and entertainment. Clientele: Lesbian.

Queen of Hearts, Palm Springs, Calif.

The smaller of the women’s resorts in Palm Springs, the Queen of Hearts still offers nine pleasantly furnished rooms set around a pool and patio in a secluded, quiet residential neighborhood. Many of the rooms have kitchens, and all come equipped with plush robes and attractive furnishings. The owners also have three rooms available in the cozier Desert Hearts Inn, across the street. Clentele: Lesbian.

Park Lane Guest House, Austin

In the hip, liberal state capital, the Park Lane is an intimate, warmly furnished spot close to downtown in historic Travis Heights, and close to several great restaurants. Considering the generous size, top-notch amenities and beautiful decorating of the three very different accommodations here, this is a great bargain.

Options include an art deco-inspired cottage with vaulted ceilings and exposed beams, European stained glass, a fully equipped kitchen and room for four guests; a two-person poolside suite with French doors that open onto a stone terrace; and a small but attractive, light-filled bedroom in the 1940s main house. Clientele: Mostly gay-lesbian.

Triangle Inn, Santa Fe, N.M.

In the shadows of northern New Mexico’s Sangre de Cristo Mountains, just a short drive from Santa Fe’s open-air opera house, you’ll find this lovely compound comprising nine private casitas with enchanting Southwestern furnishings and (in many cases) kiva-style fireplaces. Several units can sleep up to four guests.

It’s just a 15-minute drive to the many museums, galleries and restaurants of downtown Santa Fe. Afternoon cocktails are presented in a courtyard with an outdoor fireplace, and the property also has a hot tub. Clientele: Mostly gay-lesbian.

Pond Mountain Lodge, Eureka Springs, Ark.

High in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas, the artsy village of Eureka Springs has become a diverse vacation destination over the years, developing a particularly strong gay and lesbian following. On the outskirts of town, set on a bluff affording 30-mile views of the verdant countryside, you’ll find this 150-acre women-owned resort whose activities include fishing in stocked ponds, horseback riding, hiking and soaking in a large heated pool. Accommodations include suites and cabins, all with Jacuzzi tubs and many with fireplaces. Clientele: Mixed gay-straight.